Afghanistan — Historical Events Description

On 23 March 2022, the Taliban administration in Afghanistan announced that girls’ high schools would remain closed despite earlier indications they would reopen, marking a sudden reversal of policy. Thousands of adolescent girls in uniforms arrived at school gates hoping to begin classes, only to be turned away when the decision was changed. The announcement provoked international condemnation, concern about gender-based discrimination and questions about the future of education for half the population. The reversal came just hours after the ministry of education had encouraged “all students” to attend, increasing confusion and emotional distress among students and families. The decision highlighted ongoing tensions between Taliban policy, public expectation, and human‐rights obligations, and underscored how quickly changes in policy affect real lives in Afghanistan. Many girls who had waited months to return to classrooms felt betrayed and uncertain about their educational future.